Bully (2001)

A pack of naïve teenagers conspire to murder a mutual friend, whose aggressive demeanor has proved too much.

Director:

Larry Clark

Writers:

Jim Schutze (book), David McKenna (screenplay) (as Zachary Long)

Stars:

Brad Renfro, Nick Stahl, Bijou Phillips

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brad Renfro	...	Marty Puccio
Bijou Phillips	...	Ali Willis
Rachel Miner	...	Lisa Connelly
Nick Stahl	...	Bobby Kent
Michael Pitt	...	Donny Semenec
Leo Fitzpatrick	...	The Hitman
Kelli Garner	...	Heather Swallers
Daniel Franzese	...	Cousin Derek
Nathalie Paulding	...	Claudia
Jessica Sutta	...	Blonde
Ed Amatrudo	...	Mr. Kent (as Edward Amatrudo)
Steve Raulerson	...	Mr. Willis (as Steven Raulerson)
Judy Clayton	...	Mrs. Willis (as Judith Clayton)
Alan Lilly	...	Mr. Puccio
Irene B. Colletti	...	Mrs. Puccio

Storyline

After finding himself at the constant abuse of his best friend, Bobby, Marty has become fed up with his friend's twisted ways. His girlfriend, a victim of Bobby's often cruel ways, couldn't agree more and they strategize murdering Bobby, with a group of willing and unwilling participants in a small Florida town. In the midst of their plotting, they find themselves contemplating with the possible aftermath of what could happen.

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Plot Keywords:

cruelty | nudity | promiscuous woman | camel toe | pubic hair | 

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Taglines:

It's 4 a.m... do you know where your kids are?

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence, sexual content, drug use and language - all involving teens

Details

Country:

USA France UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 December 2001 (France)

Also Known As:

Bully

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles City Hall - 200 North Spring Street, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$47,502, 15 July 2001

Gross USA:

$480,811

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$704,808

Company Credits

Production Co:

StudioCanal, Lions Gate Films, Muse Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min 113 min (unrated)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Daniel Franzese's first film.

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Goofs

During the scene between Derek and Ms. Connelly, the boom is reflected in the window behind them, moving back and forth.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Marty: [on the phone with a customer] I want you to suck my big dick.
Mrs. Puccio: [from downstairs] Marty, honey, dinner!
Marty: [into the phone] I want you to lick my balls.

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Crazy Credits

This Picture only covers events up to and including the conclusion of the trial of the defendants depicted in this Picture. Following the trial, some defendants appealed. Here are the results of the various appeals as of the time of the making of this Picture: Lisa Connelly's sentence was reduced to 22 years. Alice Willis was sentenced to 17 years but shall be under community supervision for 40 years upon her release. Martin Puccio's sentence was reduced to life in prison

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Alternate Versions

The version shown on Cinemax is the edited R-rated version of the film and while most of the sex remains, the more explicit shots are removed.

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Connections

References South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)

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Soundtracks

Bully's Beauties
Performed by Scott Grusin and John Caruso
Written by Scott Grusin and John Caruso
Published by Rabind Turtle Music (ASCAP)

User Reviews

I'd like to clear up some misconceptions about this movie

It seems that the reviews of this movie are rather bleak because people say that the director focused too much on sex and that this was not a realistic picture for teens. I watched the movie, and read the book, and I have another reference source- my mother was a juror for the court case State of Florida Vs. Ali Willis and Donny Semenec. She was sequestered for over a month and was told every piece of information about these two teenagers and their friends.

This sex/drug filled movie is a spot-on represenation of these kid's sad life. They had no future, no regrets, didn't go to school and yes, they had sex with each other a lot. From what my mother says, if you were to make a movie about them accurately, it would have to be close to 75% sex. The bully was bi-sexual and would force his best friend to have sex with him after he had raped his girlfriend. These kids were also not poor white trash, as their parents were very wealthy, and they drove nice cars.

I think the fact is some people cannot stomach the idea of these kids being real, so they blame the director for not interpreting the story correctly. This is a story of middle- upper class kids, kids like your sons and daughters.

I thought this movie was very good. 7.5/10